The increase in these diseases is attributed to ageing, rapid and unplanned urbanisation, negative effects of globalisation (such as trade and irresponsible marketing of unhealthy products), low literacy and poverty, WHO said.

Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for southeast Asia, said Thursday, "Non-communicable diseases exact a huge toll on national economies. They disproportionately affect poor, impoverished families and are a growing burden on health systems."

Renu Garg, WHO regional advisor for non-communicable diseases told the media: "Simple measures like reducing salt and sugar intake, exercising regularly and controlling alcohol consumption can go a long way in controlling non-communicable diseases."

One of the targets which the health ministers would adopt is providing a roadmap to achieve a 25 percent reduction in deaths from cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes or chronic respiratory diseases by 2025.

The targets include 10 percent reduction in alcohol consumption, halt in rise of obesity and diabetes and 50 percent reduction in households using solid fuels for household cooking.